Corset Making for Fashion and Costume
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£795
- Start Date(s): 18 August 2025
- Duration: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
18 - 22 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
This practical course is for anyone who has a personal or professional interest in fashion, vintage dressmaking or costume who would like to develop the knowledge and skills needed to produce their own made-to-measure corsets.
The course will begin with a number of structured technical classes.
As it progresses you’ll be able to work on a more personal project, reflecting your style and interests.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Here's what previous attendees have said:
'It was fantastic to be able to tap into all of the tutor's knowledge. The course was great, thank you!'
'Definitely value for money.'
'Really enjoyed seeing the project through from start to finish and liked the emphasis on techniques, learned an awful lot. Would certainly consider other short courses, this has been a real confidence boost.'
'The tutor was very patient, knowledgeable and made the course fun.'
'This has course has given me useful skills in corset making. I particularly enjoyed working with the tutor, who was fantastic.'
What you’ll study
On this course, you will:
- learn how to construct and fit a corset
- put in a centre front busk
- add eyelet fastening to the back
- work with artificial whale bone (which is the closest mimic to real whale bone) and see how this can be combined with both steel spiral and flexi steel bones to create a perfect fit.
Examples of the finished project will be available as a visual aid, and demonstrations of the various processes shown throughout.
What will you gain?
You’ll leave with a completed corset, corset pattern and the skills, knowledge and notes to create more.
- Introduction
- Understanding the corset pattern
- Measuring the body for a corset
- Making the corset mock-up
- How to properly lace a corset
- Corset Fittings
- Altering the corset pattern post fitting
- Cutting out the fabric
- Mounting the fashion and foundation layers together
- Inserting the busk and the waist tape
- Sewing the corset together
- Sewing the boning channels
- Cutting, finishing, and inserting the bones
- Marking out and inserting the eyelets
- Final fitting
- Making and applying the binding
Student Work
How you’re taught
This is a hands on, practical course taught on the Nottingham Trent University city campus.
Contact hours
You will receive 30 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the Waverley building at the heart of the City Campus, with access to the costume design studio space equipped with domestic sewing equipment.
You will have all the tools and materials required to make your corset provided.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
Entry requirements
Level: Beginner
Entry requirement: You should have basic hand and machine sewing skills.
You must be over the age of 18 to attend this course
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £795.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, including great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- sharp scissors
- notebook
- pencil and pen
- hand sewing needles
- fabric scissors
- paper scissors
- thread snips/quick-unpick
- sellotape/masking-tape
- sharp dressmaking pins
- dress-makers measuring tape
- magnifier/Reading glasses (if you think you might need it for close work).
All other materials will be provided.
If you'd like to be measured and fitting during the course, please ensure you are dressed in clothes suitable - a camisole or strappy t-shirt/body as a base layer is great. Layered separates are better than a dress or jumpsuit!
If you'd like to do some pre-course reading, you can look at:
- Corsets and Crinolines by Norah Waugh
- Corsets by Jill Salen
- Waisted Creations by Lucy Emke.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
18 - 22 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Browse all our fashion, textiles and costume short courses
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813